Historic Downtown

In 1871, a village called "Brooklyn, Texas" which included a school, church, lodge, general store, saloon and blacksmith shop was established. A post office opened in 1873 and the town was renamed Forney for noted railroad official John W. Forney. By 1891, Forney was a bustling town that included a bank, opera house and two hotels.

Today, Forney's Historic Downtown District preserves the past while embracing the future. The historic downtown district provides a unique combination of restaurants, boutiques, professional services and other small businesses. The Forney Economic Development Corporation and the City of Forney have provided significant investment in downtown, including new sidewalks and revitalization of several downtown properties. Eno’s Pizza Tavern, a destination restaurant out of the Bishop Arts District in Dallas chose Downtown Forney for their second location due to the historic vibe, unique image and strong customer base. Several civic organizations provide support to downtown events and programs. The Forney Downtown Business Association partners with the Forney Arts Council in sponsoring the semimonthly Forney Artisan Market at the Cotton Gin. Forney Arts Council also sponsors the twice annual Downtown Art & Wine Walk. The Spellman Museum of Forney History provides a window to Forney’s past. Third Thursdays at the Spellman Museum brings monthly after-hours events and lectures on a variety of topics. Forney Live brings regular concerts by musicians to historic homes in the downtown district. The excitement of downtown is taking root among businesses, entrepreneurs, residents and developers.

Developer interest continues to take place in Forney as infill and mixed-use opportunities abound. The Forney EDC has a list of downtown property owners and maintains close contact with business and property owners to create a unique and thriving downtown. The recently announced "Victorian Village" is part of new development excitement taking place. Victorian Village will provide much needed office and retail space in the style of Victorian homes. This development will tie in with other historic structures in the downtown area and greatly enhance Forney's quality of place. The Forney EDC provides two incentive programs for the downtown area to spur commercial development. Information on the downtown facade and redevelopment grant programs can be found here.

Rendering of Victorian Village Office/Retail Complex at Main & Chestnut Street

Community Profile

“ “The community is real supportive of new business coming in. The city itself has great ideas on what’s coming ahead. I would advise anyone to look at moving into the Forney area.

- Patrick McCrea

Owner, Doe Belly’s Catfish Café

“ Working with the City of Forney has been a pleasure. The City’s proactive response to any problem Steve Silver Company has encountered is refreshing. Glad to call Forney our home.

- Jud Preskitt

Vice President, Steve Silver Company

“ Smurfit Kappa’s Forney Mill has been operating in Forney for over forty years. Forney is a great place to do business with an excellent, well-educated workforce and a supportive, forward-thinking city government.

- Dave Nelson

Vice President of Paper Operations, Smurfit Kappa North America

“ OGW is a proud member of the Forney business community. The EDC, City Government, and the community as a whole are very open and supportive of growing businesses.